How well do you know Georgia’s seat-belt laws?

Seat belt use is a hot topic for law enforcement officials, especially in Georgia where a driver can be pulled over if anybody in the car does not appear to be buckled in according to the law. That’s right, in Georgia police can use primary enforcement to make sure that vehicle occupants wear their seat belts.

There are good reasons for Georgia authorities to be so hot about seat belt use. Every year traffic crashes take an economic cost of about 8 billion dollars, a cost that affects every one of us. Riding without a seat belt is, quite frankly, dangerous.

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) points out that a 150 pound traveling at 65 miles per hour will experience an overall crash force of 9,750 pounds if they collide with a fixed object. That’s enough force to kill an unrestrained vehicle occupant.

Georgia Seat Belt Laws

Here are some facts about Georgia’s seat belt laws:

• All adults aged 18 and older must wear a seat belt when riding in the front seats (driver’s seat or passenger seat) of a passenger vehicle.
• The law defines a “passenger vehicle” as any vehicle designed to carry less than 10 people but does not include pickup trucks, motorcycles, or off-road vehicles. SUVs are counted as “passenger vehicles”.
• Police officers can pull over a driver if they suspect that a vehicle occupant is not wearing their seat belt.
• The fine for adults not wearing a seat belt is $15.
• Children aged 6 through 17 must wear a seat belt no matter where in the vehicle they are sitting.
• A driver will receive a $25 fine if they are found to be transporting a child aged 6 through 17 without a seat belt.
• Children under the age of 6 must be in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
• A driver can receive a fine of up to $50 and one point on their license if they are found driving with a child under the age of 6 who is improperly restrained. The second time a driver is found with an unrestrained child they can receive a fine of up to $100 and two pints on their license.
• Drivers can receive one citation for every improperly restrained child in their vehicle.

Do you have questions for a lawyer about a car or truck accident in which you were involved, or do you need legal help after a crash? Please contact the Atlanta based office of The Kaufman Law Firm today, and let our experienced attorneys help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

Kaufman Law, P.C.

12 Beck Street, N.W.

Atlanta, GA. 30318

Toll Free: (888) 973-2540

Phone: (404) 355-4000